Celebrated for its craftsmanship, quality, and distinguished flavor profile, Pleasant Ridge Reserve has become one of the defining cheeses of the American artisanal cheese movement. A favorite among foodies and connoisseurs, Pleasant Ridge is a washed rind cheese made in the Alpine style. Inspired by famous cheeses like Gruyere and Beaufort, its profile is rich and salty with a long fruity finish. Meaning 'mountain pasture' Alpage is a term used to describe cheese. These specialty wheels of cheese are made exclusively in the warmer months of the year. The milk taken during this season, when the herd can graze on fresh new grass and wildflowers, is considered the best milk of the year, and the cheeses produced from it are the most exceptional. Considered an Alpage cheese, Pleasant Ridge is made only from May through October when the cows are grazing on fresh pasture. The raw milk produced during this season creates flavors in the cheese that cannot be replicated by milk produced throughout the rest of the year. Uplands cheese takes this process very seriously, using milk from only the best pasture conditions. This means their production is largely defined by the weather. Some years yield more than others, but the quality is never second-rate. Pleasant Ridge Reserve cheese has earned more awards and accolades than any other cheese in American history. Winning the US Cheese Championships and Best of Show in the American Cheese Society's annual competition three times, it is the only cheese to have ever won both of the major national competitions. Try this award-winner, along with Upland's other delightful offerings, right here at Gourmet Food Store!